Paparazzi

Dr. Curry is trying out a new ultrasound instrument and said that for the next two weeks he would do fills on anyone. Whether they were banded in Mexico or the USA. He has a message posted on the Ohio forum on OH.

I live in Springboro and have had the band since June 27th. I've lost 66 pounds. I had mine done by Dr. Curry who is moving his office to West Chester. I wouldn't go with a new doctor if there is one that has the experience of Dr. Curry so close by (unless you're limited by insurance). I love my doc he's talented, personable and accessable. It usually only takes a few days to get a fill and if you have a problem he's checks online several times a day to answer questions. If you have any questions feel free to email me. Cathy

No one mentioned a lower blood pressure that somtimes comes with weight loss. Low potassium also can make you feel wiped out. There are dozens of things that can cause sleepiness. Usually it comes turnes out to be a virus, medication or electolytes being out of whack.

vomiting- no biggie almost everyone does it sometime. (I'd say that more like 95%) slippage - can sometimes be fixed with an unfill, occasionally surgery port failure - can be fixed in the office or as an outpatient dilation - I know only one one person who had it and it went back to normal after a total unfill. Other than that I don't know much about it. erosion - the worst but not life threatening if the band is removed. I've heard that the band can be replaced later. Any surgury is serious and should not be taken lightly..still the complications of the lap-band are not as bad as RNY or DS.

My doc says that the food doesn't stay in the pouch very long anyway, so we can drink 10 minutes after eating. Works for me.

Vanessa, If you went to the Butterfly meeting, most of them are RNYer's and I don't think that Dr. Martin has had any Bandsters. Lap Banding has only gained popularity in Cinci in the last year. I've already decided that when I get to that point that I'm choosing a doc that Dr. Curry works with. I want him there to place my port. I don't trust any of the Cinci plastic surgeons to do it. ...Razzi 235/172/140 6/25/05 Dr. Curry

I've lost about 63 pounds from my high, but nothing in the last two months. I've got about 32 more pounds to go. The winter is rough on me. I've got more time to think about being hungry and the only exercise that I'm getting is about 30-45 min. per day. I'm still very happy with my band and I'm sure that this plateau will end some time. ..Razzi 235/172ish/140

I hired an internet lawyer last February when I was denied by Anthem BCBS as experimental. I was rejected for the next two appeals (I was told there were two appeals..I only got a notice for one). In June I went ahead and went selfpay. Now I find out that my insurance company started approving the lap-band in mid June. I emailed my "attorney" and he said that they would file another appeal. Should I trust him? I'm worried that come the first of year that the insurance company might make another change to the worse, if something isn't done soon. Cathy

I guess I'll give him a little more time, because I haven't a clue where to start. The insurance lady from the doctor's office said that I had a good chance of getting at least some of my money back. She's the one that let me know that the company had started covering the lap-band. She even told me where to find the new policy on their website. Thanks everyone Cathy

This guy is very popular on the obesity forums for fighting insurance companies and winning. I've talked to him on the phone but not in person. He was even recomended by my doc. I don't want to mention him by name. There are three lawyers that I know of that specialize in this area.

I live in Ohio but own a condo in Hilton Head. Does that count? My surgery was June 27th. I'm down 45 pounds (with pre-op diet). I couldn't be happier. I haven't made it to the island this year because I kept waiting for insurance to come through. I ended up going selfpay. The last time I was on the island, I couldn't walk but about 100-150 yds down the beach. I was so depressed. I can't wait to get back. I'm walking about 2 miles a night now. I LOVE MY BAND! Cathy "Paparazzi" 235/225/190/140 Dr. Trace Curry Cincinnati, Ohio

This was too funny. I'm one week out and I can relate to everything accept the shaving mishap and I didn't throw up after going home. Actually this is the most accurate description that I've seen. "Paparazzi" PS I flipped off Flipped off Jarrod also.

My doc explained it to me this way... That by not eating sugars and carbs, you force your body into pulling out glycogen from the stores that are in your liver for energy (sugar that isn't burned for energy is converted to glycogen and stored in the liver). This shrinks the liver and makes it easier for the surgeon to work inside of your body cavity. Hope I didn't confuse anyone. Cathy

I'm right with you! I've been on liquids for four days now and it's tough. I've been good..I think. I'm allowed lowfat cottage cheese and soup. I tend to eat more of those things than what is considered a portion. My surgery is next Monday. I'll do what ever it takes. Cathy

I think I've gone as far as I can go with insurance. I lost the 2nd appeal and my insurance company said that my employer didn't allow external reviews for "experimental procedures" (Anthem BCBS). I paid a lawyer $900 to handle the appeals but it's been 2 months since I've had a real conversation with him and he won't return my calls. I even tried talking to his secretary and was told that she was out of the office... she didn't even call me back. The only way that I know that I lost the 2nd appeal was that the insurance company did return my call... after three weeks. I'm beginning to feel like a non-person. Anyone know of a inexpensive band doctor around Ohio. cathy

I don't post often here, but I'm so excited that I just wanted to see it in print..My surgery date is June 27th!

I've heard of these lapband brokers referred to before. Can anyone tell me how you can tell if you are on the surgeon's website or that of a broker? Also has anyone heard of the "free lapband" giveaway on Dr.Rumbaut's website? Is this on the up and up? Cathy

I did email a complaint to Ohio's insurance board. They said that they would get back to me in a couple weeks, but it sounded like all they were going to do was forward my complaint to my insuraqnce company. Like that would so any good. My husband could have changed insurance last November. There were two other options. One had a direct exclusion and the other was so expensive that it wasn't worth taking a chance to find out if they had an exclusion or not. I think that I'll look into self pay.

Funny thing is that I have a Wish Center just five minutes away from me. I don't know what their rates are. I've been afraid to go there because they are associated with the hospital that I worked at for 30 years. There would be no privacy. I know everyone at that place. Wonder if I could have my surgery in Chicago and fills here in Ohio. That might work. Thanks Cathy